Jen Edson Rife Traverse City Realtor

10/12/2026

Market Update:

Year over Year Comparison for Grand Traverse County on & off water homes

Off Water Homes All Values
Current Listings 413
Sales 11/25 to 10/26 970 11/24 to 10/25 937
Average DOM 69 or 2.3 Months
Value Direction Year over Year Up 6.2%
Market Activity Up 3.5%
Inventory Supply 5.9 Month

Direct Water Homes All Values
Current Listings 63
Sales 11/25 to 10/26 91 11/24 to 10/25 130
Average DOM 86 or 2.9 Months
Value Direction Year over Year Up 10.2%
Market Activity Down -30.0%
Inventory Supply 8.4 Months

The value direction and activity indicated above are taken from sales in Grand Traverse County using a 24 month comparison of the last year vs the 12 months prior. Value directions are for the entire county all value ranges and should only be used to identify trends and never used to apply an increase or decrease in market value for a specific property. The trend can be significantly influenced by more sales at the upper end of the value range or REO sales at the lower end of the value spectrum. To determine price changes for a specific property a much more detailed data search specific to that market segment should be completed.

The market continues to "normalize" with higher inventory levels.

Robert J. Reamer
Real Estate Expert Since 1978
Certified General Appraiser
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Licensed Builder

Phone: 231.649.0877
Email: [email protected]
Website:

Robert J Reamer specializing in residential MI Real Estate Property Appraisals.

09/16/2026

Only a few condominiums left in Phase A. Grab yours today! Taking reservations for Phase B and C as well. Call today, 231-883-2648.

08/30/2026

Only a few units left in Phase A are available! Now taking orders for Phase B and C! Call Jennifer Edson-Rife at at Five Star Real Estate for more information. 231-883-2648

Suttons Bay, Michigan, Single Family Homes, Realtor, Real Estate Agent Suttons Bay, Leelanau County, Leelanau County Realtor, Leelanau County homes for sale, Suttons Bay Condominiums, Suttons Bay Condos

08/17/2026

7488 Traverse Rd, Thomsponville, Michigan. Discover your dream home nestled away from the road on a serene 10-acre hardwood lot. This updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and peaceful country living. Inside, you’ll love the beautiful new premium vinyl flooring within the main floor living space. This home includes a brand new dishwasher and confection microwave oven. The home has been well maintained with a 2019 furnace 2013, 30-year roof, a brand new water softener (hasn't been used and needs to be hooked up), and a 2019 hot water heater for added peace of mind and long-term value. Outside, the expansive 10 acres of mature hardwoods provide wonderful privacy and abundant wildlife. The property features established gardens ready to go, a chicken coop, a large pole barn perfect for storage, projects, or hobbies, and an existing deer blind ideal for hunters and nature enthusiasts. This home delivers the best of both worlds — modern updates, functional homesteading features, and incredible seclusion while remaining conveniently close to local amenities. Whether you're seeking a full-time residence, a gentle homestead, or a recreational retreat, this property is truly special. Call Jen Edson-Rife from Five Star Real Estate for an appointment 231-883-2648

08/03/2026

The Renovation ROI Reality Check: What Actually Adds Value in Today’s Market
Concise takeaway:
Not all improvements contribute equally to market value. The best “bang for the buck” comes from projects that improve functional utility, condition, and buyer perception—NOT from high‑cost specialty upgrades.

Core Value Principle
Renovations add value when they reduce buyer friction. Anything that solves a problem, removes a cost burden, or improves functional utility tends to return more than cosmetic or luxury upgrades.

Top ROI Renovations (High Contribution to Value)
These consistently show strong contributory value in appraisal work:
Kitchens (moderate remodels) — Updating surfaces, cabinets, counters, and appliances typically returns 60–75% of cost because it improves both utility and buyer appeal. Full gut‑level luxury kitchens rarely return dollar‑for‑dollar.
Bathrooms (moderate remodels) — Similar ROI to kitchens. Modernizing fixtures, tile, lighting, and layout solves functional obsolescence and improves perceived condition.
Flooring replacement — New LVP or hardwood has one of the highest perception‑to‑cost ratios. It modernizes the entire home and removes a major buyer objection.
Roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing updates — These don’t “wow” buyers, but they eliminate inspection issues and reduce buyer risk. They often return 70–90% of cost because they directly impact marketability.
Energy‑efficient windows and insulation — Strong ROI in colder climates (like Michigan). Buyers value lower utility costs and improved comfort.
Garage additions or expansions — High functional utility, especially in markets with winter weather. Often returns 70–80% depending on size and finish.

Medium ROI Renovations (Situational Contribution)
Decks, patios, and outdoor living — Strong ROI when the market values outdoor space, but returns vary widely by quality and climate.
Basement finishing — High utility but can be costly. ROI depends on ceiling height, egress, and quality of finish.
Minor exterior improvements — Siding repair, paint, landscaping, and entryway upgrades improve curb appeal and reduce buyer friction.

Low ROI Renovations (Limited Contribution to Value)
High‑end luxury upgrades (steam showers, w**e rooms, built‑ins)
Great for enjoyment, but buyers rarely pay full cost.
Pools
High cost, high maintenance, limited buyer pool. Contributory value is often well below cost.
Over‑customization
Anything too taste‑specific (bold tile, ornate fixtures, themed rooms) can reduce marketability.

The Appraiser’s Bottom Line
The best renovations are those that:
Improve condition
Increase functional utility
Reduce buyer risk
Modernize the home without over‑customizing
These are the projects that reliably contribute to market value and offer the strongest return on investment.

Robert J. Reamer
Real Estate Expert Since 1978
Certified General Appraiser
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Licensed Builder

Phone: 231.649.0877
Email: [email protected]
Website:

Robert J Reamer specializing in residential MI Real Estate Property Appraisals.

07/21/2026

Check out the housing stats for our area.

The Northern Michigan real estate market continues to show strength as we move through the summer season. While home sales remained relatively steady compared to last year, home values continued their upward trend across much of the region, highlighting the continued demand for Northern Michigan pro...

07/17/2026

Check out this gorgeous condo with many amenities. This home can have 2-4 bedrooms, it is a craftsman style home, with 2,600 square feet. The amenities include an outdoor in ground pool, hot tub, 1200 feet of shared West Bay frontage, a marina with up to 10 slips available for the 2027 season, tennis courts, and of course PICKLE BALL courts! 😊. Truly a must see.

Open Houses: Saturday July 18th and July 19th from 11a to 1:00 pm.

House photos, infographics, and listing agent details for 760 Waypoint Circle, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. This home is priced at $750,000, with 3 beds, 2.1 baths, and sqft.

06/30/2026

Customize your own white box home by selecting your finishes in this exceptional condominium living experience nestled in the heart of Suttons Bay. As part of a 32-unit condominium community, this residence is included in the initial phase of construction and offers an array of high-end finishes throughout. Take advantage of this opportunity to personalize your unit by choosing flooring, countertops, paint colors, and additional upgrades like a fireplace or a bar. This sophisticated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home features a versatile den and access to remarkable community amenities, including a newly renovated clubhouse and pool set to open in 2026, tennis and pickleball courts, and private shared waterfront access with 10 boat slips available for the 2027 season. Ideally situated within walking distance of downtown Suttons Bay and just minutes from the w**eries of Leelanau Peninsula, with the Leelanau TART Trail right at your doorstep, this represents low-maintenance luxury living in a prime location at its finest. Call for a personal tour 231-883-2648

Looking for a Realtor 🏠? 👀 no further! 231-883-2648! I ❤️ Referrals!

06/12/2026

And here we go again….

Two proposals aimed at addressing housing shortages in Leelanau County are moving forward after public hearings last week. The first, a pending Empire Township ordinance that would regulate short-term rentals in the village, is finally gaining traction after years of board discussion. The second, a....

06/10/2026

A little close to home!

The Kasson Township Board will consider adopting a temporary ban on data centers at their regular June meeting, scheduled for this evening (Wednesday). The potential moratorium comes at the request of the township’s planning commission, which has been fielding questions and concerns about data cen...